Try One Of The Many Attention-Grabbing Nova Scotian Marathons

Exploring Nova Scotia 1km at a time

It’s one thing to explore Nova Scotia by car, motorcycle, bicycle, Harbour Hopper or even by plane, but why not experience it on foot?

If running is in your blood, why not lace up and hit the road to take part in one of the many Nova Scotia marathons and runs that take place here in the spring, summer and fall?

Kids make their way across the mudflats during the youth Basket Run, part of last year’s Not Since Moses run.Youth events this year include 100-metre, 500-metre and 1,000-metre runs. Photo Credit: Herald File

Picture it. The sun is dipping below the horizon as mist settles over the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Darkness falls and runners turn their headlamps on, beginning a long descent from the top of North Mountain to sea level. “It’s so beautiful. Magical. So silent and quiet,” says long-time runner Tonya Brennan. “Running down the mountain for me was a glimpse back into childhood and that pure joy you feel just from being able to run free.”

North Mountain is the defining feature of leg nine in the 17-stage running event known as the Cabot Trail Relay Race. Seventy teams of 17 runners conquer the Cabot Trail, one leg at a time — from sun up to sun down, and sun up again. The race begins at 7 a.m. Saturday morning. The last runners cross the finish line to much applause and celebration in nearby Baddeck Sunday morning. “It’s not just about the running, which can be very challenging,” says Brennan. “ It’s also about the camaraderie, team spirit and support from everyone.

“It’s an unforgettable experience,” says Brennan.

The 276 km race take runners through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the province of Nova Scotia. The course winds over mountains, along the water and through small communities. It’s a sight to behold in a vehicle, but even more impressive on two feet.

Nova Scotia Marathons & Runs

Running has grown in popularity over the past 20 years. People of all fitness levels are lacing up, not just for the health benefits but also for the social aspects. It’s not uncommon for runners to plan road trips based around racing events. It’s also a great way to experience a new part of the world — at a pace that allows you to soak it all in.

Rum Runners Relay

The Rum Runners Relay is another team event that affords participants unparallelled views of the ocean. The 110 km course is broken down into 10 legs that wind along the beautiful South Shore through the communities of Chester, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg.

Like the Cabot Trail Relay, this race is well known for team spirit and inspiring scenery. (Rum is optional.)

The Old Wife rock formation serves as a backdrop to a group of runners as they cross mudflats during the Not Since Moses race on Cobequid Bay near Five Islands. Photo Credit: Herald File

Not Since Moses Race

If you don’t have a team but you have a desire to run (and a good washing machine), the Not Since Moses Race is quickly becoming a must-do on the running circuit. The 10k and 5k courses are laid out so you are running on the ocean floor in Five Islands (which you must Google immediately). The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world so there is plenty of time to get to the finish line but you’ll be muddy for sure.

Run Nova Scotia

If you’re looking for a Nova Scotia half marathon or even a full, runnovascotia.ca has an extensive list of Run Nova Scotia events spread from one end of the province to the other.

Some of the best Nova Scotia marathons include the Valley Harvest in October, The Bluenose in May and the Maritime Race Weekend in September — all of which are Boston Marathon qualifiers.

Barrington Passage

One of the most breathtaking runs takes place in Barrington Passage, located on the southwest tip of Nova Scotia. The full, half and 10k courses follow the coastline — offering runners amazing views of mist rising off the ocean and on good days, sunshine shattering into a million diamonds on the water’s surface.

“It is a beautiful course,” says Halifax runner Natasha Hull. “The best part is at the end where they serve fresh watermelon.”

Not to mention the homemade seafood chowder and pie.

Even if you don’t sign up for an official run, lacing up and heading out anywhere in Nova Scotia is bound to reveal acres of unspoiled nature, fresh ocean air and stretches of undisturbed road ready for the exploring.